West Ham are set to axe assistant boss Zeljko Petrovic – paving the way for Paolo Di Canio to make a sensational return.

Petrovic only joined the club as Avram Grant’s No.2 in the summer but he is on the brink of losing his job after the Hammers’ disastrous start.

It is understood Petrovic is an unpopular figure amongst Hammers players and his sacking is seen as a necessary move to try to improve the mood in the camp.

And the decision to axe Grant’s righthand man will clear the way for Upton Park hero Di Canio to make a Hammers comeback.

Suffering Hammers supporters chanted the Italian’s name during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.

And drafting Di Canio into the club’s coaching set-up would go a long way to appeasing disgruntled Hammers supporters.

Di Canio – who divides his time between England and Italy – is due at the Hammers’ crucial clash against Wigan on Saturday.

The former Lazio forward’s attendance at Upton Park on Saturday will provide co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold with the perfect chance to sound him out.

Defeat against Roberto Martinez’s men at the weekend would leave Grant in grave danger of the sack.

Sullivan and Gold are determined to stick with the man they appointed in the summer but know they’ll have to make a change should the team stay rock-bottom of the Premier League. (Daily Star)

One thing is for certain: Paolo Di Canio would not stand for what is currently being played on the pitch by West Ham players.

The Italian was not always the most prolific of forwards, but his influence on the team was immeasurable, and a mooted return to Upton Park would certainly give Hammers squad the kick up the backside they need.

How much blame though can be attributed to West Ham players not really liking a coach? That is of course quite a distinction to disliking his methods.

Whether Di Canio joined as assistant manager or just a coach for the forwards, he would still have a major job on his hands, and may just elect to leave his West Ham United legend intact.

Fancy a flutter? Join Sportingbet and get a free bet worth up to £50! There are countless markets to bet on including which team will win, the first goalscorer, the correct score or even the time of the last goal. You can also try your hand at an accumulator and try to win big from a small stake. So visit Sportingbet.com and register now to put your money where your mouth is.